Skin Rocks is the skincare and anti-ageing brand founded by Caroline Hirons, and it has a steady stream of fans – including our beauty editor. Here's her honest review of every product.
Why Skin Rocks Stands Out
Anyone even moderately interested in beauty will know about skincare super-influencer and author Caroline Hirons – as well as her expanding range of products, Skin Rocks. Shunning gimmicks and trends and instead focusing on brilliant formulas with clinically proven results, as well as no-nonsense instructions, Skin Rocks has quickly become popular with beauty fans – including myself.
As Reach's Beauty and Wellness Editor, I and my team have been lucky enough to try every product from Skin Rocks, often before they hit the shelves, from cleansers and moisturisers, through to the latest launch, The Strong Acid, so we know which are really worth shouting about. Spoiler alert: I've never used a Skin Rocks product I didn't like – they're expertly formulated, never irritate my skin, and are well packaged – but here are the products that I would genuinely rebuy when I get to the bottom.
Pros
- Really well formulated: they're very effective but never pill or irritate the skin
- Packaging looks and feels great, and is clear to understand, with notes about who it'll suit (and who it won't), and handy guides on the lids showing how much to use
- Clinically proven results
- Lots of the products are refillable, with refills costing a little less
- Lots of the products come in fragranced or fragrance-free options (I always choose fragrance-free)
Cons
- The prices range from mid range to high end
- Bottles are made of glass and are heavy (good for recycling, less good for travelling)
Skin Rocks Cleansers
Caroline has been a vocal advocate for double cleansing since the beginning. If double cleansing still sounds like too much time and effort, here's why it's probably worth it: oil removes oil, which is why an oil-based balm cleanser is effective for make-up, SPF, and sebum. Meanwhile, a cream, gel or foaming cleanser will get off everyday grime, sweat and pollution.
The Cleansing Balm, £58
Though it's probably your first step in a routine, this is the latest cleanser Caroline has released – and it'll come as no surprise to learn that it's truly one of the best I've ever tried. It melts into the skin, breaks down make-up and SPF easily, and emulsifies away quickly with water and a flannel, leaving skin feeling conditioned but with no oily residue. There are also a few high street cleansing balms that I love and are cheaper, but if you love luxe offerings, try this Skin Rocks one next.
The Cream Cleanser, from £35
Skin Rocks' first cleanser, and it's a real goodie. It's not completely effective on layered waterproof mascara, but for everyday make-up and daily grime, especially if your skin is on the drier side, it's perfect. If I was only going to use one cleanser from Caroline's range it would be the next one, but my colleague Octavia, with her dryer skin, would pick this one.
The Gel Cleanser, from £39
This is nothing like the typical foaming, drying gel cleansers you're probably used to. The formula is so unique – thick, nourishing and rich in moisture-locking glycerin – yet washes completely away as a milky liquid, that it would suit all skin types: young or old, dry or oily, sensitive or not. I squeezed out every drop of this and loved it, and would buy it again.
Skin Rocks Acids
Exfoliating acid toners can brighten, renew and refine skin – though they are easy to overdo if you pick the wrong one. Caroline's collection of three covers all skin types.
The Control Acid, £45
Ideal for oily, congested and spot-prone skin, this salicylic acid (BHA) helps to control breakouts and minimise pores.
The Gentle Acid, £53
The brand's original all-skin-types formula, contains AHA and PHA, for tackling signs of ageing. It's not actually that gentle compared to many on the market, but it's a great balance of being suitable for everyone while delivering effective results.
The Strong Acid, £75
This is about as strong as an acid can get and stay on the right side of legal. It's a combination of AHAs, BHAs and PHAs. Even Caroline herself advises you don't add it to your regime unless your skin is used to acid exfoliators already. Two to three times a week is enough to see impressive results.
Skin Rocks Retinoids
Retinoid 1, £70; Retinoid 2, £80; Retinoid 3, £90. These are brilliantly formulated and foolproof ways to introduce vitamin A into your routine. Start with Retinoid 1, then move on to Retinoid 2. I can use Retinoid 1 every night without irritation, a rarity for me.
Skin Rocks Moisturisers
The Light Moisturiser, £59; The Moisturiser, £63; The Rich Moisturiser, £69. As someone with combination and occasionally blemish-prone skin, I go for the lighter Moisturiser. It layers well, leaves skin healthier, and doesn't cause breakouts. My colleague Octavia loves the rich version for her normal-to-dry skin.
Skin Rocks The Eye Cream, £65
I'm fussy about eye creams, but this one is absolutely perfect – immediately silky, smoothing and plumping. I'd happily use this one forever if I could.
Skin Rocks The Antioxidant, £70
Admittedly the one product I haven't thoroughly tested, but it feels nice on the skin and gives an instant subtle glow. It contains more antioxidants than just vitamin C.
Skin Rocks The Hyperpigmentation Serum, £90
I used this regularly in summer to reduce unwanted pigmentation. Based on clinical studies and before-and-after photos, this is the product I'd trust for serious hyperpigmentation.
Skin Rocks The Amplifier, £70
A supercharged essence that makes other skincare products work more effectively. It increases moisture and firmness, and minimises pores. I've been using it for a couple of weeks and skin feels smoother and more hydrated. It's a nice-to-have extra step.
Conclusions: Which Skin Rocks Products I'd Buy Again Tomorrow
Overall, it's difficult to find fault with any Skin Rocks products. They're a brand I completely trust. If I had to narrow it down, I'd choose the Retinoids, The Moisturiser, and whichever cleanser best matches your skin type. If you're beginning to notice signs of ageing, I'd especially recommend The Acids.
